Usefulness of deep sockets?

[cgv69]

Hear me out first!

I have a full assortment of deep sockets and use them all the time but honestly never really paid much attention to how many times I use them because I had to (i.e. a standard socket just wouldn't work) vs using them just because they were convenient (i.e. could have used a standard socket with a short extension instead)?

The reason why I'm asking is because I have a secondary, portable tools kit that I use for times away from the shop. A kit like this is always a compromise between effectiveness (i.e. having the tools I need when I need them) vs weight and portability.

So with that in mind, I'm thinking a standard set of SAE and Metric sockets (w/ few extensions) may suffice and be a better option weight wise compared to a full set (standard and deep) metrics or worse yet a full set of standard and deep SAE and Metric sockets?

 

[jim1987]

How about a pass thru set?

 

[kc-steve]

That's actually a good question, but only you would know the answer, that depends upon what you would be working on and what repairs you might possibly try to perform. Ask yourself, would a short extension and short sockets work as well?

I used to travel as a field service representative for a manufacturer, so questions like that were important all the time. I didn't want to be in Smallville without the proper tool, much less the part I might need.

Steve

 

[mooman]

I usually use them for "knuckle clearance", not because I have to.

 

[vandezand]

I only use them when I have to. I jave a pass through set I like much better. I find myself rounding heads more with deeps

 

[bcradio]

I use shorts mostly myself, but occasionally need deep. I'd say lose the deep SAE set but keep a basic 3/8" deep metric set with you. Shorts for everything else.

 

[theoldwizard1]

• 1/4" deep - Don't own any, never been an issue
• 3/8" deep - I use them a lot !
• 1/2" deep - Seldom use them, even less since I got a set of Sunex thin wall flip impact lug nut sockets.

I have NO 1/2" drive tools in my secondary box.

 

[cgv69]

That's actually a good question, but only you would know the answer

True but I've never really paid that close of attention so I'm just looking for opinions. Maybe even from someone who's already crossed this bridge?

I usually use them for "knuckle clearance", not because I have to.

To the best of my recollection, that is the case with me as well. I know there are times that I've actually needed a deep socket but probably not often enough to drag them around with me all of the time?

This is supposed to just be a basic emergency or grab-and-go kit. Not a fix anything, anywhere kit.

How about a pass thru set?

Maybe? I don't have any and have never used them. I do carry some combo wrenches with me as well which may help in some cases. My travel kit is made up of extra's, tools I've upgraded or have gotten dirt cheap. I've avoided spending any real money on this so that I won't be overly upset if it gets stolen (I leave it in my truck most of the time).

I have NO 1/2" drive tools in my secondary box.

My bag only has 3/8" drive stuff; 7-19mm & 1/4"-7/8". I figure that should handle 98% of the stuff I see.

 

[stovebolt6]

9 times out of 10 I reach for a deep socket, whether it's needed or not, mainly for knuckle/hand clearance as stated above. Having said that, to save space/weight you could have a set of deep sockets and then some ratcheting wrenches for small clearance situations?

 

[cgv69]

9 times out of 10 I reach for a deep socket, whether it's needed or not, mainly for knuckle/hand clearance as stated above.

I do that as well but a standard socket w/3" extension would do the same thing and weigh less. (meaning a set of standard sockets plus and ext that I would have anyway weighs less that a set of deep sockets).

Having said that, to save space/weight you could have a set of deep sockets and then some ratcheting wrenches for small clearance situations?

Probably but I really don't want to spend money here. I want to make do with what I have (and I don't have a spare set of ratcheting wrenches).

I only want to carry the bare essentials and I'm trying to determine if deep sockets are an essential or not? I'm leaning towards not.

 

[cgv69]

Let me put it another way. Would you rather...

A. Carry a full set of 3/8" Metric sockets, (6pt standard and 12pt deep sockets)
or
B. Carry a full set of 3/8" Metric and SAE (6pt. standard sockets)

Carrying a full set of SAE and Metric standard and deep sockets seems like a bit much. Its weighing things down to much IMO. Something has to go and it seems like loosing the deeps makes more sense then loosing the SAE's?

 

[rsanter]

The most useful sockets in my mind are the mid depth ones.
Will work where a shallow will not and where a deep is not needed

Bob

 

[boiler7904]

I think I'd go for a set of pass-thru sockets in this instance. We bought a Husky set at Home Depot for about $30 as a secondary set on a job and with a specific threaded rod task in mind. The set came with a 3" extension for times when knuckle or swing clearance is needed. I know Craftsman and Gearwrench also make similar sets.

 

[creativecars]

I like to go deep. If deep is not deep enough I will combination wrench it until it is.
3/8 dr 6pt deep seems to be the most versatile and usable. A 3/8 long flex head ratchet a 3' and 6"extension. Then throw in a 22 pc combination wrench set. You will be able to do most on the fly repairs.

 

[BlackjackNA]

Not nearly as useful as deep pockets.

 

[creativecars]

I only use them when I have to. I jave a pass through set I like much better. I find myself rounding heads more with deeps

Use two hands and control the ratchet. That will keep you from twisting and rounding off the fastener. It will also keep you from splitting the side out of sockets.

 

[merbie]

I was in the same predicament, I found only bringing common sizes in deeps worked well like 10mm 13mm 15mm 17mm and 19mm


Sent from the sticks

 

[1950mercury]

I think id loose the shallows and cary the deep.

 

[BirdMobile]

For my "car kit", I carry both shallow and deep... but the deeps are selected based on what is actually requiring a deep... so I think there are only 4 deeps in the kit.

Remember - you can always lengthen a shallow with an extension, but you can never "shallow-ize" a deep.

 

[cheechi]

I say yes for one reason only. I don't have extensions that are the right size. Don't get me wrong I have plenty of extensions, but at 1" 3" etc you always have one situation where they are not quite right. Deep sockets never seem to have that issue.

I have a few spots that I actually need deeps for, that a pass through is not great (it will do it but not as well due to angle etc) and specifically I need fully broached deeps. If not for that I would say that my standard depth & mid depth do 99% of what I need to do. And honestly, much as I love my mid depths I could probably say 95% really could be done with just the standards.

 

[kc-steve]

True but I've never really paid that close of attention so I'm just looking for opinions. Maybe even from someone who's already crossed this bridge?

When I said only you would know the answer, that means, no one else knows what you are going to work on, or your capabilities. I have crossed that bridge but I used to work on medical equipment, no use for you there. Even if you are going to work on a car, different brands require different tools. And we don't know your abilities, so any opinion here is simply that, an opinion, speculation with no value of knowledge.

Steve

 

[MikeF2316]

Remember - you can always lengthen a shallow with an extension, but you can never "shallow-ize" a deep.

Also remember, you can always put a deep socket on a bolt, but you can't put a shallow socket on a nut on a long stud...

Either way you need both.

 

[Spareparts]

That problem is why my 1 ton usually grossed out around 10,000

 

[cgv69]

When I said only you would know the answer, that means, no one else knows what you are going to work on, or your capabilities. I have crossed that bridge but I used to work on medical equipment, no use for you there. Even if you are going to work on a car, different brands require different tools. And we don't know your abilities, so any opinion here is simply that, an opinion, speculation with no value of knowledge.

I get what you are saying but I think you may be over thinking it. This is not a job specific kit and I don't work on just 1 or 2 specific things. I can be working on a car one day, fixing a toilet the next day or helping a buddy build a deck the day after that.

I don't plan to use this kit to rebuild a motor on the side of a road or build a house from scratch. Its just a general purpose portable tool bag with basic hand tools. If I know ahead of time what I'm going to be working then I'll grab any specific tools I know I'll need before I leave.

 

[d.mcfarland]

My Pontiac seems to use all kinds of nuts on extra long threaded bolts!

 

[Adam.C]

In 30 years of driving around with tools in the back of my car, I've never once had to fix a car by the side of the road. I don't think cars break down like that.

But I hear where you are coming from. Many times I've been over someone's house and went to get my tools because their tools were ****.

For general household or possibly automotive, I think a good ratcheting screwdriver kit, with torx, Philips etc, maybe 1/4 sockets and a selection of shanks is good. Could help someone change a light bulb or a battery in a car, for example. Pair that with a set of ratchet flex head wrenches like the EZ Reds (i.e. skip the sockets). Then, Knipex plier wrench (for plumbing) and a big cobra, maybe a good set of cutters and you are good.

Dead blow hammer, flashlight. Cheap DMM is a Godsend.

 

[Matt Irvine]

Personally I have 1/4 metric deep, which I use a lot, 3/8 metric and sae deep, from 8-19 (equivalents too), no 1/2 deep, and a patchy 3/4 metric deep impact set

 

[Jure]

Also remember, you can always put a deep socket on a bolt, but you can't put a shallow socket on a nut on a long stud...

Either way you need both.

well said

 

[byoungblood]

I usually use them for "knuckle clearance", not because I have to.

X2

I find myself using my deep sockets more often than my shallows for that reason alone. It also saves you the trouble of using a short extension when you do need the extra length.

Shallow sockets for me get the most use when clearance is an issue.

 

[Adam.C]

X2

I find myself using my deep sockets more often than my shallows for that reason alone. It also saves you the trouble of using a short extension when you do need the extra length.

Shallow sockets for me get the most use when clearance is an issue.

That's what the 1-1/2" wobble plus extension is for. I do the same, but with semi deeps. For me it's ratchet wrench, shallow socket, semi deep, then shallow plus the short extension.

 

[SantaAna12]

Two bags?
One for primary: no deeps. Another for secondary applications, or tools not usually used.